Snorkelling quickly became one of my favourite activities while travelling and living in Western Australia. After living in WA for three years, it’s time to share a local’s perspective of the best places to snorkel across WA.
I had never snorkelled before coming to Australia, but I’ve definitely been blown away by the diversity of coral, fish, and other marine life. WA specifically is a great place to snorkel at beaches, as it’s a huge state that has so many different climates, which attracts different marine species.
Of course, snorkelling needs to be done sustainably, by taking care for the environment. Otherwise, done unsustainably, there will be no coral left in the future! All of my experiences snorkelling in WA have been pleasant. I’ve rarely faced any major concerns with other people affecting the environment. The worst is maybe parents allowing kids to pickup fish with nets, or people feeding fish.
A notice on this list of best beaches for snorkelling across WA, these are beaches I have gone to and explored. Not every beach I’ve gone to is on this list, it’s just highlights. There’s plenty more places to snorkel in WA, but I don’t want to recommend something I haven’t experienced. The list starts from the south of WA to the north.
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Where to Buy Snorkel Gear
Snorkel gear can be purchased almost everywhere across Australia, as it’s a popular outdoor activity. Even small towns with fishing shops should have some snorkel gear. Popular areas such as the Ningaloo Reef, Rottnest Island and Perth have equipment for hire. However, if snorkelling is something you’re doing more than once it’s a good idea to get your own gear.
I’m a big fan of online shopping, but fit is important with snorkel gear. If you have a big nose (as I do) it’s a good idea to get a mask with extra space so your nose doesn’t hurt (as mine does).
Check out these options on Amazon, which is always a good spot to start and compare prices with locals Australian stores. For another online resource, eBay is a great alternative to Amazon, as it’s more readily used in Australia. And, there’s a way to view local Australian stock, to reduce shipping time.
The biggest local stores in Australia that have snorkelling gear are BCF and Anaconda. Also check out local dive and fishing stores. And, stores like Kmart, BIG W, and Target have seasonal snorkel gear. For those staying in hostels, other travellers may be getting rid of snorkel gear, so keep an eye out! Op shops/thrift stores may also have stock.
Frenchman Bay, Albany
First in this article of the best places to snorkel in WA is Frenchman Bay, Albany. The water is stunning down in Albany. If there’s something Albany should be known for (which it is) it’s the natural beauty surrounding the town centre. After the long beautiful drive of Frenchman Bay road from Albany, the road ends around Frenchman Bay. This is a popular beach for families, and water activities like SUP, and kayaking. The water stays relatively shallow close to the Frenchman’s Bay Beach Parking.
However, for the best snorkelling we found it was at the opposite end, at Whalers Beach. The north end has a few big rocks where fish and sea life come together. It has relatively clear conditions, depending on the current.
While there, I found the current a bit strong, I didn’t use flippers at the time, but as a relatively strong swimmer I only went far enough as I felt comfortable. Snorkel around the rocks, and enjoy looking down to the seafloor while snorkelling. There’s also a few rocks to hold on to if you need a break.
Greens Pool, Denmark
The water down south is cold, but highly rewarding when it comes to snorkelling. Living in Perth, I always try to get down to Denmark at least once a year to explore new snorkelling locations. Greens Pool in Denmark’s William Bay National Park is a major highlight when it comes to snorkelling.
During the last visit, my partner and I came across a wobbegong shark (which are relatively harmless). The shark was clearly trying to avoid the people floating by, and was resting.
Greens Pool in Denmark, is also a great place to enjoy the beach along with going in the water. A reason it’s so great for snorkelling is that there’s rocks blocking the current during low-tide. During high-tide, the water will come through and brush up sand making the water hazy. The high-tide can also bring a current that’s less enjoyable to float around. Surrounding the area, also check out Elephant Rocks for swimming, the beach is tiny but it’s a beautiful area to relax.
Madfish Bay, Denmark
One of the days we were heading to Greens Pools, it was so busy we decided to go further down the road to Madfish Bay. We were both impressed that we hadn’t heard of this Bay before, but turns out it’s a great snorkelling spot. What makes it a great location for snorkelling is the rock island south of the beach prevents waves from coming in.
Madfish Bay is ruffly split between two beaches facing east and west, but it is a small spot. We first arrived during high tide when there was almost no space on the tiny beach. This is a spot for people to go fishing, including spearfishing. Though while snorkelling, I didn’t see anyone lines nearby.
Snorkelling can be done anywhere near the rocks, but what I liked most about this area was being able to walk on the rocky island and dip into the water further out. This saves time and energy swimming against the current. It’s also fun to walk around the island and see into the pools, there were even seabirds nesting. On the westerly side of the Bay there’s large rocks under the water where diverse fish swim about. The water is clear so it’s easy to see to the bottom of the seafloor and beyond. Down south, the water is cold here—even in the summer.
Canal Rocks, Yallingup
Close to the Margaret River area, Canal Rocks is a perfect location to head to after sightseeing or spending a weekend camping. The canal between the rocks here can create a rougher current, but out to the north end it has calm and clear water.
There’s certain areas of sea grass, especially near the jetty, which makes it a good place for colourful fish to hide. When I visited for snorkelling, the water was relatively calm and super clear, I could see down depths much further than other locations. It almost feels like a huge swimming pool.
There isn’t much coral close to the rocks here, it is more snorkelling around looking for fish and other sea life. There is some coral in the canal area, but with the water rushing back and forth it’s difficult to enjoy the spots as much.
Before reaching Canal Rocks on the same road is a snorkelling point named the Aquarium. The tiny parking lot gets packed quickly, and visitors hike down the bush and cliffside to a small beach focused on snorkelling. It may have been the strong current and wind the day we went, but I wasn’t super impressed with this area, but I may have just faced unfavourable conditions. Just remember, the water is quite cold here as well, so take time to warm up on the beach!
Cape Peron, Rockingham
There’s some fun adventures to be had around Cape Peron, with the sea grass, the fish, coral and swimming through rocky caves. Starting at the parking lot, head north towards the rocky caves area, where swimmers can go through the rocks onto the other beaches.
Depending on the current and wind, pieces of sea grass and sand may be floating around in larger quantities, but I didn’t find it too annoying. I only mildly got scared if a piece of sea grass landed on my face and I thought it was a jellyfish. There were jellyfish here as well, but they didn’t sting, they were just clear and small.
Snorkelling through the rocks and seagrass felt like quite the adventure, and it’s also possible to walk around and see the area from above. It’s better to keep to official trails only though to prevent erosion and destruction of native bush.
Omeo Wreck, North Coogee
Just south of Fremantle, there’s a small shipwreck just off the beach, which is a popular snorkelling spot to visit. Similar to so many other spots on this list, visiting this location depends more on the conditions. When the current is strong and sand is picked up, it’s harder to see fish and into the wreck. Often, the morning has the best conditions.
There’s a little trail that’s been laid out, with points of what to see, it’s not just about the shipwreck here. Head over to the rocks along the peninsula and find fish, sea snails, and coral. The current may pull the opposite direction, so it’s important to be a strong swimmer and know when it’s best to head back.
What I love most about this location is how clear and beautiful the water is close to shore. The beach is bright white with perfectly blue water. It’s good for friends or couples that are mixed between enjoying the beach or snorkelling, there’s something for everyone here.
Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
I had no idea how beautiful and colourful Rottnest Island’s reefs would be. As tourists do, my partner and I rented bikes to cycle around the entire island during our day trip. One of the first places we stopped to snorkel was Little Salmon Bay. After visiting other beaches, Little Salmon Bay remains my favourite place to snorkel. And, it’s also one of my favourite places to snorkel in WA.
The colour of the coral spans from purple, to blue, to a true coral pink.
Something to know about this beach though is that it gets busy, the actual beach that is. When we first arrived around 8 AM there was hardly anyone on the beach, but after coming out of the water, the beach was packed. However, I don’t go to Rotto to just relax on the beach so it doesn’t matter how packed it is. The snorkelling doesn’t get that busy, and there’s lots to space to move around.
There’s also a snorkel trail, with I believe 10 spots with a chain, buoy, and sign. I try to follow the signs but always end up just enjoying the area, besides the signs are difficult to read due to algae. Just make sure to stay safe out here, and protect the reef by keeping fins away from the coral. There’s a few spots where coral has been knocked over, but overall the reef is in really good condition.
Oyster Stacks, Exmouth
This was my favourite spot off the coast snorkelling around Exmouth. Located in Cape Range National Park, the Oyster Stacks are only accessible during high tide.
When arriving at the Oyster Stacks spot it’s understandable why high-tide is necessary, as it’s otherwise the water is so slow there’s no way to snorkel. Even during high-tide, the area is relatively shallow. Check the tide times, to make sure you don’t miss this spot as it’s one of the best places to snorkel in WA.
The coral in this area is fantastic, and it’s no surprise the Ningaloo Reef in the area is one of the best in Australia. Many people say it’s better than the Great Barrier Reef, but with everything it depends where you go. While snorkelling we saw octopus, reef sharks, snails, slugs, eel, and hundreds of fish types. Exmouth was by far my favourite snorkelling experience in WA. And, for places anyone can access, Oyster Stacks is the best.
Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
Just a bit north of Oyster Stacks is another popular snorkelling location. We spent the day here on both sides of the beach. The northern side is calm, and has almost no current (at least when I was there). It’s easy to swim out further and snorkel as the ocean floor gets gradually deeper. There’s lots to see here, coral reef, sea life, and of course, many fish.
Certain pockets have more to see than others, but it’s a great experience no matter where you are. Close to the shore, fish would follow us around. After going to the southern end of the Bay we noticed people feeding the fish, likely why the fish had been following us earlier.
On the southern side of the Bay there is almost more to see, but the current can be strong in an area. After getting through the area with the strong current though it was easier to gently float and snorkel around. At the time of visiting, I found the current only strong while heading out to the coral and returning. However, it wasn’t too strong the entire time.
Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth
Snorkelling around WA isn’t complete without doing a tour out to sea when visiting Exmouth. Ningaloo Reef is definitely one of the best places to snorkel in WA. While doing a whale shark tour, we had opportunities to snorkel at a few different locations. At these spots I saw some of the best coral and sea life I’ve seen in Australia. There’s a huge abundance of wildlife in the sea and corals growing and thriving. This is why I believe visiting Exmouth wouldn’t be complete without one of these wildlife tours.
The experience the tours have with finding the best spots completes your adventure in Exmouth while having plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Interested in visiting WA? Check out this road trip guide from Darwin to Broome on a 2WD.
